Kevin Harvick has opened up about his reasons for leaving Richard Childress Racing NASCAR after more than a decade, sharing new details about his departure on his podcast this week. While fans have often speculated that a championship win might have persuaded Harvick to stay with the North Carolina-based team, the retired driver revealed there was another significant factor behind his decision to join Stewart-Haas Racing.
During his 13-year tenure with Richard Childress Racing, Harvick achieved notable success, including 23 victories, but the highly sought-after NASCAR Cup Series championship eluded him until he moved to Stewart-Haas Racing in 2014. After finding championship glory, he raced with that organization until his retirement after the 2023 season. A Bakersfield, California native, Harvick has since transitioned to a broadcasting role, serving as a NASCAR analyst with FOX Sports, beginning his on-air duties in 2024.
Harvick Reflects on His Departure from Richard Childress Racing
Speaking on his Happy Hour podcast, Harvick addressed long-standing rumors about his exit from Richard Childress Racing. He acknowledged that the absence of a championship while at RCR played a role in his decision. However, he highlighted that wanting increased involvement within the team itself was just as crucial.
“I would say if I win a championship, I stay… I think that after 13 years, you’re just asking that question to yourself, and ultimately, that was really the reason for going to Stewart-Haas Racing.“ — Kevin Harvick, retired NASCAR Cup Series champion
Harvick went on to elaborate on his aspirations for a larger role at RCR. He revealed that he had hoped to become a co-owner of the No. 29 car, but the team’s leadership was unwilling to entertain that option. This lack of opportunity significantly influenced his departure.
“I just wanted to be more involved in the daily things that happened, but I would have stayed for that too,”
he added. — Kevin Harvick, retired NASCAR Cup Series champion
Harvick’s final appearance for Richard Childress Racing took place at the 2013 season finale in Homestead-Miami Speedway. His exit closed a pivotal chapter with the Chevy team, as he went on to broader success with Stewart-Haas Racing and later took on new responsibilities as a media analyst. The broader NASCAR community, including organizations like Fox Sports, observed how Harvick’s career trajectory shifted after his move, demonstrating the impact of team dynamics on a driver’s legacy.
Harvick’s Warnings for the Playoff Contenders Ahead of Las Vegas
As the NASCAR Cup Series season charges forward, the 2025 playoffs roll on with the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway set for October 12th. Eight drivers remain in contention for the championship: Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, Kyle Larson, William Byron, Christopher Bell, Chase Elliott, Chase Briscoe, and Joey Logano. Harvick, now providing expert commentary, has shared pointed observations about the challenges facing these contenders.
He focused in particular on Joey Logano, the Team Penske driver and current champion, suggesting Logano’s strengths lie in racecraft rather than outright speed. Despite the challenges at tracks such as Las Vegas, Martinsville, and Talladega, Logano remains a threat for the rest of the field.
“I don’t believe they have the speed they need. Vegas, Martinsville, Talladega, those are good tracks for them, but I don’t think they have the outright pace of the No. 12,”
Kevin Harvick explained on his podcast.
“What they do have is the ability to put themselves in front of faster cars by executing on restarts. They’re dangerous from that standpoint.”
— Kevin Harvick, retired NASCAR Cup Series champion
The pressure is mounting for the remaining playoff drivers as they prepare for the 32nd points-paying race of the season at Las Vegas. Joey Logano sits eighth in points, just behind his teammate Ryan Blaney, who has a narrow margin above the cutoff line. The anticipation among fans, fueled in part by Harvick’s candid analysis, has only intensified heading into the pivotal South Point 400. The race will be available live on USA at 5:30 p.m. ET, with radio coverage on PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Kevin Harvick’s comments, rooted in his experiences with teams like Richard Childress Racing NASCAR and Stewart-Haas Racing, offer unique insight into the challenges and decisions faced by top-level drivers. As the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs unfold, his perspective is sure to influence how fans and competitors view critical moments on and off the track.
Was there anything that could have kept @KevinHarvick from leaving Richard Childress Racing in 2013? There were two things, actually. pic.twitter.com/MUFQ9biqjC
— HarvickHappyHour (@HarvickHappyPod) October 8, 2025
